THE EFFECTS OF EXERCISE TRAINING ON UPPER EXTREMITY FUNCTION FOR PERSONS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease impacting physical function.
• Upper extremity (UE) impairment is common in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), affecting daily activities.
• Exercise training is a key component of rehabilitation for PwMS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effects of exercise training on UE physical function and physiological fitness in PwMS.
• To identify the types of exercise interventions and outcome measures used in existing research.
• To synthesize the evidence on the efficacy of exercise for UE outcomes in MS.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across EMBASE, CINAHL, and ovidMEDLINE databases.
• Studies included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving PwMS and UE function outcome measures.
• Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

Main Results:

• Eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria, all incorporating strength training exercises.
• Improvements were noted in grip strength (2 studies) and some functional tests like the 9 Hole Peg Test (9HPT) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) (3 studies each).
• The Fugl-Meyer Assessment did not show significant improvements in any study.

Conclusions:

• Strength training interventions show potential for improving UE functional and physiological outcomes in PwMS.
• Limitations include a small number of studies and the frequent combination of strength training with other therapies.
• Further high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and explore optimal exercise protocols.